Package biochemical hazard and contraband detector

ABSTRACT

This apparatus and method allows collection concentrated sample of content in shipping packages without unsealing the package by forcing airflow via existing hidden gaps ( 101 ) or, if necessary, creating one by a small incision. The air is injected into the hidden gaps by either probe ( 114 ) or socket device ( 138 ) to disturb and agitate contents inside the package, causing the contents to loosen and blend particulates on the surface into the air stream. Airborne particles ( 135 ) are channeled into detection device ( 134 ), where the particulates are concentrated. Display and warning apparatus ( 137 ) receives and records the analysis results from detection device ( 134 ). If the analysis finds that predetermined selection and sensitivity criteria for target hazard or contraband is met, then the warning apparatus initiates appropriate alert protocols.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/281,680 entitled “Package Biochemical Hazard and ContrabandDetector” filed on Oct. 28, 2002, which is incorporated herein byreference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/344,635 entitled “Biological and Chemical Hazard(BACH) Package Tester” filed on Oct. 26, 2001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following relates to apparatus and method to detect hazardous orillegal contraband hidden within shipping, delivery, mail, or postalpackages for analysis and defense without fully unsealing the packagesby probing the interior with airflow and collecting concentrated sampleparticles.

According to US Department of Justice guide (NIJ Guide 101-00), most ofthe well known biological weapon agents such as, anthrax, Brucellosis,Tularemia, Cholera, Glanders, Melioidosis, Plague, Marburg Virus,Smallpox Virus, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, Ebola Virus, Q Fever,Botulinum Toxin, Staphylococcal enterotoxin B, Tricothecene mycotoxins,and Ricin could take aerosol form. The agency further states, “Theprimary infection route from exposure to biological agents is throughinhalation.”

During the year 2001, envelopes containing anthrax spores were sent viaUS Postal Service. The cutaneous form of anthrax spores caused havoc asit infected people who came in direct contact with the hazardous powder;however, the inhalation form of anthrax spores caused even greater fearand devastation, as the fine airborne spores randomly contaminatednearby packages and killed indiscriminately and capriciously. Moreover,the inhalation form was much deadlier than the cutaneous form, as manydied even with antibiotic treatments. Soon afterward, the fear of otherbiological agents and the envelopes containing non-toxic materialspreyed on the fear. Although no one suffered illness or death, these“hoax-envelopes” flood was nearly as effective in terrorizing the publicand consuming valuable resources as the real biological attacks, asevery incident had to be treated like the real thing.

In response, the US Government irradiated mail packages bound forvarious government agencies and certain targeted private sectors. Evenafter a three billion dollars budget and nearly a year since theincident, the majority the mail packages to the general public have yetto be irradiated or otherwise protected. Some of the reasons are listedbelow:

The irradiation is an expensive process, takes long time to implement,and it alone cannot pinpoint the contaminated or hoax mail.

The possibility of infection among those unfortunate postal workersprior to irradiation at a central processing unit can be tragic.

The irradiated mail may cause health problems for the recipients. Manycongressional workers had complained of headache, nose bleeding,diarrhea, and other ailments.

Many members of the public oppose and fear the irradiation process.

The irradiated mail must be stored for several days to lower the levelof radiation, which delays delivery and incur storage cost.

No clear procedure exists to avoid irradiating products that can bedamaged, destroyed, or even made harmful if they were exposed to massivedoses of radiation, such as electronic devices, film, glass and fooditems.

Exposing metal to ionizing radiation can induce radioactivity if enoughof it collects on the surfaces. And there's a lot of metal in the mailin the form of binders, paperclips, and pens, not to mention all of theconsumer products containing metal that are routinely shipped via theU.S. Postal Service.

The irradiation needs nuclear materials to keep it operating.Transporting radioactive material, worker safety, and environmentalcontamination from the kinds of leaks, spills, and mishaps can lead todisasters.

The terrorist may attack the irradiation facility, transport, or storageto obtain the irradiated material to create a “dirty bomb.”

The effectiveness of the process may be exaggerated. A New Jerseyofficial described some of the challenges in a memo. “After muchdiscussion about the penetration of the electron beam,” she wrote, “itwas determined that the package would have to be turned over and runthrough irradiator a second time. The problem is that the spores in theenvelopes would presumably fall to the bottom by gravity, thus avoidingthe beam for both passes.”

Another patent pending idea by Gary Mize called “Bio-safe Mailbox” usestime released toxins like chlorine dioxide or methyl bromide in amailbox prior to pick up. This idea also suffers many problemsassociated with irradiation. The toxins that are used to destroy thebiological agents are dangerous chemicals themselves, probably onlyeffective against the limited few biological agents, and ineffectiveagainst chemical toxic agents.

Moreover, reconfiguring every mailbox to release and recycle thesechemicals could be not only very expensive but also potentially harmful,as toxins may be released to environment. Not to mention that theseprocesses can be thwarted easily, using lead foils to block theirradiation and airtight package can stop the decontaminants.

The danger to the public using delivery service, however, is not new.Long before the biochemical terrorism, illegal contrabands such asbombs, poisons, illegal drugs, etc. . . . have been sent using US Postalmail.

Available technologies like Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), vapordetection, gas chromatograph, reactive chemicals, etc. have had onlylimited use for detecting hazards and contraband inside deliverypackages, because collecting concentrated content samples from a sealedcontainer proved to be difficult.

X-ray and swab collection method, often used in airports, would beineffective, too costly, and time consuming to use for delivery servicesdue to high volumes. Tens of millions letters and packages that usesdelivery services per day cannot be individually viewed and swabbed.

A better sample collection and concentration apparatus and method mustbe utilized, if advanced analytic technologies are to be implemented.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Whether it is real or hoax, the best defense against bio-terrorists orother criminal activities, is catching and prosecuting the perpetrator.To catch the offenders, law enforcement must be able to identify thecrime quickly and secure the evidence without destroying or altering it.As selection, detection, and identification technology improve, such asnucleic acid amplification or antibody binding method, obtaining enoughconcentrated sample, quickly cueing the existence of the possible targetagents inside the package, and preserving the evidence become critical.

The idea described here is inexpensive and an effective apparatus andmethod to collect concentrated possible biochemical hazard and otherillegal contrabands samples in packages for analysis.

Given that the envelope has been the choice of a delivery vehicle by theterrorists and many other illegal activities, I will use the envelope asan example but other shipping packages can also utilize similarapparatus and method.

By taking advantage of:

Most shipping or mail packages are semi-sealed and have gaps or openingswhere packaging material edges meet. This is to prevent air from beingtrapped inside the package and turning it into a balloon, because aballooned envelope takes up excess space and causes problems whentransporting.

Shipping or mailing packages usually do not contain particles thatresemble the size and weight of biological pathogens or chemical toxins.And bombs and illegal drugs exhibit specific particle characteristicsignatures.

The possible harmful particles in the package are of such size andweight that they should become airborne and mobile by introducing air orgas flow via above gap.

The process results in the following objects and advantages:

To provide a cheap and effective apparatus to thwart biochemicalterrorism, rather than using expensive and dangerous ultravioletsterilization method, slow x-ray process, or expensive new mailboxeswithout unsealing the package.

To provide safe and easy operation, as the process does not requiredangerous radiation or chemicals.

To provide a method to help quickly apprehend criminals and reduceexposure, because the method could detect the presence of foreignparticles early and stop it from going to the addressee or anothertransfer agent.

To provide defense against hoax biological terror attacks, unlikeprior-arts.

To provide better and concentrated sample collection.

To provide additional testing for many illegal contrabands like illegaldrugs and bombs.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a considerationof the drawing and ensuing description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a simple, safe, and effectiveconcentrated sample collection and cueing apparatus and method againstbiochemical hazard and illegal contrabands without fully unsealingshipping, delivery, mail, or postal packages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number butdifferent alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1 shows a standard sealed US envelope with a small gap or openinghighlighted.

FIG. 2 shows a sealed express mail package also with a gap highlighted.

FIG. 3 shows an airtight container with the above envelope inserted withclamps, sensors, and probe control box.

FIG. 4 shows the right frontal right half view of the inserted andclamped secure envelope from FIG. 3.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of FIG. 4 to illustrate the probe andcontrol box in more detail.

FIG. 5 shows variants of probe shapes.

FIG. 6 shows the airtight box in FIG. 3 when being rotated upside down

FIG. 7 shows the envelope being infiltrated by a pair of scissors or asyringe (optional feature).

FIG. 8 shows the airtight box in FIG. 3 attached to a detection deviceand then to a warning system.

FIG. 8A shows a side view of the airtight box with an inflated envelopein the middle sandwiched against the side compressor clamp with sensors.

FIG. 9 shows a frontal view with a socket lip device variant to theprobe used in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9A is side view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 shows the above socket/lips like device in detail.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   -   101. Hidden gap or opening in mailing package    -   102. Envelope    -   103. Envelope adhesive area    -   105. Express Mail shipping package    -   106. Envelope Flap    -   107. Possible biochemical hazard material (inside the envelope)    -   108. Side compressor clamp pairs connected to sensors for        checking inflation of the envelope    -   109. Airtight container or box in this embodiment    -   110. Airtight box door    -   111. Conveyer system (to deliver the envelope to the box)    -   112. Mechanical clamp pairs (to hold the envelope in place)    -   114. Mechanical probe    -   114A. Strait probe    -   114B. Narrow probe    -   114C. Bent Probe    -   114D. Slanted Probe    -   114E. Hollow channel running down the middle on the probe    -   115. Probe control box    -   116. Probe movements from rest to under the envelope flap    -   117. Side clamp movements (coming together to squeeze the        envelope)    -   118. Tube to pump air or gas into the envelope    -   119. Tube for vacuum out the air or gas    -   122. Inflation or ballooning of envelope sidewalls by air    -   123. A rod guide for the probe control box movement    -   124. Lowering motion of the control box along the rod guide    -   125. Axis to turn the box    -   126. The airtight box rotating around the axis    -   130. Mechanical scissor (cutting motion)    -   131. Syringe like device (punching a hole)    -   133. Forced movement of air or gas    -   134. Detection or Analytic device (for concentration and        analysis of particulates)    -   135. Possible biochemical hazard material airborne    -   137. Display and warning apparatus    -   138. Socket lips device    -   139. Airflow into the envelope socket device above    -   139A. Residual airflow    -   140. Hole connected tube to force air into envelope via the        socket device    -   141. Hole in the box with vacuum tube to collect sample        particles    -   142. Airflow measurement device    -   143. Backward pressure on the clamp

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description—FIGS. 1, 2—The Gap

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the vast majority of envelopes orpackages used in the US have small gaps or openings on the top cornerswhere edges come together that can be probed without unsealing thesubject. Opening 101 still exists even when flap 106 on envelope 102 orpackage 105 is closed and sealed.

In FIG. 2, an adhesive area 103 does not extend all the way out to thecorner edge of the envelope. This creates the gap above, which exists tovent air in and out when being handled. Without it, the envelope willnot flatten as trapped air creates ballooning, which will then causeproblems as it travels through the processing plants.

The small opening is well concealed and covered by the flap. This coverusually keeps possible hazardous and contraband particles 107 trappedinside the envelope.

FIGS. 5, 10—Alternative Embodiments of Probe

FIG. 5 is a closer look at variants of a probe. The probe shape can bevaried like a straight tip 114A, a narrowed tip 114B, a bent tip 114C,or a slanted tip 114D; however, regardless of the exact shape ormaterial, the probe is thin, dull, pointed, and hollow device that caneasily be slipped in the gap. Materials of the probe can be metal,ceramic, plastic, etc. . . .

The outer shape of the probe may resemble the end of a letter openerknife, but a hollowed middle channel 114E extends from the tip to theend, which enables the air or gas movement back and forth from controlbox 115.

FIG. 10 shows a socket or lips device 138 in detail. It's called asocket or lips device because the device's two front walls sandwich anenvelope corner with opening 101 in the middle like a socket or lipswould hold on to an item by grasping two opposite walls on the targetitem.

Operations—FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 9A

As shown in FIG. 3, envelope 102 travels by conveyer belt mechanism 111or gloved human hands to an airtight container 109, which is a box inthis embodiment.

Once inside the airtight box, secure envelope 102 by holding clamps 112on an outer edge of the envelope sides. In this embodiment, top andbottom clamps are utilized. Lock it in the box by closing airtight door110.

Once envelope 102 has been secured by the operations 1 and 2 above, moveside compressor clamps 108 with optical or pressure sensors (not shown)close against the side walls of the envelope. So, when the envelopeinflates in operations below, the ballooning envelope sidewalls pushback the side clamps by operations below. FIG. 3 also illustrates theprobe attached to control box 115 at rest prior to exploring the gap.

By using optical or mechanical sensors, mechanically slide small probe114 under the envelope flap by following arrow movements 116. Thisoperation is detailed below.

FIG. 4 shows the exposed front right half of the airtight box from FIG.3 in detail with some items inside mechanical control and sensor box 115with attached the probe. The control box contains mechanical deviceswith sensors (not shown) to guide probe 114 underneath envelope flap106. The exact mechanical and sensor devices to guide the probe into thegap are not part of the invention. The control box contains two airhoses inside. First hose 118 injects the air or gas to the probe tip andinflates 122 the envelope during the insertion process show in movement116. Second hose 119 will be then used later for collecting a sample byvacuuming the air and particles inside the envelope after ballooning, asshown in FIGS. 8 and 8A.

FIG. 4A shows a detailed perspective view of FIG. 4 with one embodimentof the probe and the to control box movement. The probe is attachedcontrol box 115, which is attached to guiding rod 123. Lower and restthe control box apparatus along guide rod 123 on top of the envelope andinsert it under the flap by mechanically traveling up along the side ofthe envelope. As the probe slides up and approaches near the flap, theprobe expels a constant air stream from its tip, to push the envelopewall and the flap further apart to enlarge the gap.

FIG. 6 shows an optional embodiment of the airtight box in FIG. 3 upsidedown to show possible rotation of the whole box apparatus in FIG. 3.Mechanically rotate 126 the whole airtight box over on axis 125 byturning on a motor (not shown) attached to the axis. As the box turns,gravity and centrifugal force will help to loosen the particles.Additionally, other motions like shaking or vibrating could achievesimilar results. Perform this step on the probed and ballooned envelope.

If the envelope fails to balloon by flowing air from the probe tip, cuta small opening with a pair of scissors 130 or poke a hole with asyringe 131 to create an opening that can be used to introduce air orgas inside the envelope, as seen in FIG. 7. If neither cutting norpoking is desirable, then the envelope can be treated via another methodlike proposed Ultra Violet Ray sterilization, which is not part of theinvention.

As in FIG. 8A, determine if the gas has successfully penetrated theinterior of the envelope and expanded envelope sidewalls 112 by checkingthe pressure exerted against the side clamp 108. Afterward, force theenvelope to deflate to induce the air/gas out of the envelope carryingthe possible hazardous material by squeezing envelope-walls together 117on both sides with the side clamps.

Looking back to FIG. 8, collect the airborne biochemical hazard particlesample 135 via probe channel 114E using vacuum hose 119 and hole 141 inthe box. Send the sample to detection device 134, which can be a laseranalyzer, a photometer, an optical particle counter (OPC), acondensation particle counter (CPC), an optoelectronic sensor, or otherparticle/optical/biological/chemical analysis method. The analyticdevices are not part of the invention.

Afterward, display unit 137 shows analyzed and stored results. The unitcan be a combination of computer or electronic devices. The exacttechnical specification of the unit is not part of the invention. Ifcertain selection and sensitivity criteria is reached in any one or moreof criteria, like particle count, particle mass, particle density,particle concentration, chemical reaction, generic response, etc. . . .then an alarm alerts the operator by sound, flashing screen, e-mail,and/or other communication methods.

In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, instead of using theprobe, a socket or lips device 138 could gently fit against the envelopecorner. Blow the air or gas 139 into the envelope via the socketdevice's hollow channel 140. As in the above procedures, check theinflation as in FIG. 9A and then deflate the envelope by the side clampsas in FIG. 8A.

As the side clamps compress against the envelope, use vacuum tubeopening 141 attached to the wall of the airtight box and collect theairborne particles sample. Once collected, implement the same hazarddetection and alert method, described above in operation 10 and 11.

Another way to check for successful the airflow injection is illustratedin FIG. 9; airflow meter 142 measures the flow of residual airflow 139A.The residual flow rate and amount should diminish when some airflowpenetrate inside the envelope. Also, the injected airflow should causebackward pressure 143 on the top and bottom clamps.

Possible Additional Feature

The particle sample can be collected into a sealed container by thisdevice for further testing. Or, the whole airtight box may be removedand sent into the lab for further testing.

Problems could arise from probing underneath the envelope. This may beagainst the law for the US post office; however, addressee should nothave a problem. Addressee can even open the envelope fully by incisionand fully test the contents. So, a pair of scissors or a cutting devicecould be used to either partially or fully create an incision to affectthe particle test.

Alternatively, to avoid probing underneath the flap, the air can besimply pumped out utilizing a hole with a vacuum hose attached 141 onthe wall of the box by squeezing the existing air pockets already in theenvelope with the side clamp without inflating it. Alternatively, theenvelope sidewalls could be pulled apart to let the air in through thegap by grasping on the envelope sidewalls using vacuum suction or lightadhesive on the side compressor clamp 108 on the envelope side walls.This action creates air inflow to the envelope, just as air is drawninto an accordion by pulling its side apart.

Forced gas 133 into the envelope interior can be a toxin to kill anyhazardous particles that might be inside the envelope.

Advantage

From the description above, a number of advantages of my biochemicaltester and method become evident:

Operation is quick and simple.

By checking the package inflation or flow rate of the air, operation canbe assured of success.

To provide the capability to vent contagions from the package or used todeliver toxins to kill the contaminant particles without unsealing thepackage.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the biochemical tester andaccompanying method of this invention can detect the presence ofpossible hazardous materials and illegal contraband in a shippingcontainer simply, easily, safely, and assuredly.

Furthermore, the testing apparatus and method has the additionaladvantages in that it provides quick alert against both real or falsehazardous particles; it provides effective detection not only againstbiological, but chemical contrabands, such as poison, bombs, and illegaldrugs; it allows preservation of the evidence for prosecution; itprovides a verification method of successful operation via inflation ofthe package or measured airflow change; it allows testing of the vastmajority of shipment or mail packages, including most envelopes, expressmail packages, envelopes with forwarding address hole opening, many boxpackaging, etc . . . ; it provides an adaptable platform to launchfuture improved analytic devices and approaches; it allows safeoperation in detection only mode by using only air in a preferredembodiment rather than using toxins or irradiation; it allows a muchmore effective and assured way to kill certain biological hazards viathe verification process described above, if a toxin is used rather thanjust air and; its allows testing of packages in it original semi-sealedstate.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention.

For example, rather than checking for inflation of a package, which mayhave stiff and rigid walls, the slower flow rate and volume of air orpressure exerted on holding clamps can be used to check for infiltrationof gas inside a package.

Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the example given.

1. A method for sampling contents in a semi-sealed package for analysiscomprising steps of: a. locating a gap or a plurality of gaps betweenpackaging material on said package where one edge joins another edge ofsaid material to form an incomplete seal, and b. providing means toestablish substantial airflow inside said package utilizing said gap,and c. creating airborne sample particles of the contents inside saidpackage by agitating said contents' surface employing said airflow, andd. checking for sufficient said airflow occurred inside said package,and e. collecting said sample particle via said gap, and f.concentrating and analyzing said sample, and whereby cueing ortriggering alert to initiate counter measures, if predeterminedselectivity and sensitivity of an analytic device is triggered by saidconcentrated sample.
 2. The method of claim 1, further including meansto create said gap or opening by using a sharp edged instrument, if saidgap is not accessible.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said airflow iscaused by any one or more of following, injecting airflow by a probeinserted into the gap, injecting airflow by a socket device fitted onthe package, compressing air pocket inside said package by a compressor,and pulling away walls from each other of said package to draw saidairflow in by temporarily grasping the walls.
 4. The method of claim 1,further including, after step c, step of disturbing said package by anyone or more of rotating, shaking, and vibrating to agitate the contentsinside said package.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the checking forsufficient said airflow by any one or more of following, changingdimensions of said package, changing airflow measurement around saidpackage, and increasing force pulling away said package from saidairflow source beyond predetermined level.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein said sample collection and concentration by circulating orvacuuming said air with airborne particulates from said probe tip and anopening inside said container to analytic medium.
 7. A biochemicalhazard package detector apparatus comprising: a. an airtight containerhaving a first end and a second end; b. an airtight container openingoperatively attached to said first end of said c. airtight container,said opening timely opens to receive a package and closes air tightlythereafter; d. a clamper or a plurality clamper device resided in saidairtight container for holding said package upon receiving; e. an aircirculator resided in said airtight container to disturb interior ofsaid package held by said clamper by air; f. an air collector connectedto said airtight container to take air particles out from said package;and g. a biochemical detector connected to said air collector to analyzesaid air particles.
 8. A detector of claim 7 wherein said container is abox.
 9. A detector of claim 7 wherein said opening is a door.
 10. Adetector of claim 7 wherein the clamper device is any one or more ofclamp, clip, adhesive, suction, tongs, forceps, pincers, nippers,pliers, and vice.
 11. A detector of claim 7 wherein said air circulatorcontains any one or more of probe of various shape, fan, pump, vacuum,motors, gears, and sensors to guide said device and circulate air.
 12. Adetector of claim 7, further including means for agitation of saidpackage contents by rotating, shaking, and vibrating.
 13. A detector ofclaim 7, further including sensor or meter devices to detect externalchange in dimension and the airflow rate of said package after said aircirculator operation.
 14. A detector of claim 7, further includingcompressors to press out air trapped inside said package resided in saidairtight box.
 15. A detector of claim 7 wherein said detector furtherincludes any one or more of said sample concentrating medium, targetselection sensing device, and predetermined sensitivity device to saidsample characteristics.
 16. A detector of claim 7, further includingapparatus to send alerts and record said detector output.
 17. A detectorof claim 7 wherein probing air is mixed with toxic gases such aschlorine dioxide and methyl bromide to neutralize said biochemicalhazard.
 18. A detector of claim 7 wherein a portion or portions of saidairtight apparatus is removable to be sent for further testing and cleanup.
 19. A method for utilizing gaps in a sealed shipping packagecomprising steps of: a. locating a gap or a plurality of gaps between ofpackaging material on said package section where one edge joins anotheredge of said material without adhesive to form an incomplete seal, andb. providing means to establish substantial airflow inside said packageutilizing said gap, and c. creating airborne sample particles of thecontents inside said package by agitating said contents' surfaceemploying said airflow via said gap, and d. collecting said sampleparticle via said gap, and whereby channeling said sample particulatesinto appropriate analytic technology.